Polyarteritis Nodosa

Definition

Polyarteritis nodosa is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is your body’s defense system. It fights diseases and infections. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. With polyarteritis nodosa, medium-sized arteries and, less commonly, small arteries become inflamed and damaged. The inflammation of the arteries affects many different organs.

Symptoms

Polyarteritis nodosa is a multisystem disease. This means that it affects many parts of your body at the same time. It can affect organs such as the skin, kidney, nerves, and gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Often, you will experience
headache, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and fever. Other symptoms include:

Your muscles and nerves may be tested. This can be done with a nerve conduction study.

Your vascular system may be tested. This can be done with an arteriogram.

Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of polyarteritis nodosa may improve the outcome. Treatment
may be vigorous, with the goal being to reduce the inflammation of the arteries and put the condition into remission.

Without treatment, the condition may be fatal. Complications from polyarteritis nodosa include stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and permanent tissue damage of the intestines.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Corticosteroids—High doses of these steroids can reduce inflammation of the arteries.

Immunosuppressive drugs—Suppressing the immune system helps decrease inflammation of the arteries by countering the body’s autoimmune reaction.

Prevention

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.